July 1, 2013 Regular Mtg - City of Anoka

May 28, 2013 (Worksession)Page 10 of 18leased, the property would be subject to taxes, which for 2013 are $9,666. Thiscost would be factored into the lease rate.Sell the property and building as-is. The property could be sold as-is for a similarprice to what the city purchased it for. The City could consider a restrictivecovenant on the property to control future uses. Current tax value for the propertyis $252,900.Councilmember Anderson said the open areas impress him and could be turnedinto a very nice restaurant, although he is troubled by the traffic. He said thiscould be addressed though most likely. He said he would like to see the City lookfor a buyer or tenant and make use of the amenities of a modern look andproximity to Ferry Street.Councilmember Schmidt said he is not responsive to renting as it puts uscompeting with our own taxpayers. He said he would prefer restrictive covenantsand then removing the pieces worthy of reclaiming such as the wood beams. Hesaid this is not an attractive building and that he is in favor of trying to decidewhat can’t happen on the site and then selling the land after demolition of thebuilding.Councilmember Anderson agreed that demolition is an option if the property can’tbe sold. He said he appreciated the comments on rental too so we should look atdisposal.Councilmember Schmidt asked what we don’t want to see on this site. Ms. Braunsaid the Planning Commission is working on a new riverfront zoning district thatwill help us identify what types of uses should be allowed. She said the Councilmay want to be more restrictive with covenants but that rental is likely not usefulin this corridor.HRA Commissioner Elvig said they are trying to beautify Anoka and since this isnot an attractive building a future tenant will likely want the building demolished.Councilmember Schmidt said there are similar concerns at this site as theCottages but noted this building is historic. He said there will likely be asbestosremediation and ADA compliancy, which seems to be a lot of work.PAB Commissioner Bonthius asked if there is anything we can do to improvetraffic. Mayor Rice said the signal was a great compromise and greater thannecessary for the current use.Mr. Lee shared how the signal was obtained, stating it is likely set to maximumallowable cars per day of 44,000 for appropriate traffic flow. He said more couldbe done at the side streets but not much more because there is nothing on mainroad.13 of 360